Space data to help boost industries

Satellite data technology that could calculate how much water was needed to adequately irrigate a farm paddock is just one of the research ideas for a new Central Otago space centre.

Although no proposals have been formally submitted, ideas like gathering soil moisture data from a 10 cubic centimetre satellite in space are already being mooted for Alexandra’s new $14.7 million Centre for Space Science Technology (CSST).

Establishment manager Emma Scarlet officially concludes her role on June 30 after six months with her final act being to employ the chief executive.

Scarlet said it had been ‘‘very, very full’’ but felt CSST was ‘‘on track’’ to move New Zealand ahead in data-based space development and research.

The establishment of CSST in Alexandra was part of a government initiative to boost regional economies throughout the country.

Although Scarlet couldn’t put an exact number on it, it’s thought CSST would employ between 20 and 40 staff.

‘‘It’s all about boosting economic growth,’’ Scarlet said. ’’CSST will be like a data hub for all of New Zealand. The limits with that are endless.’’

The centre would

call for proposals early next year and then develop products and services for those like being able to assess how much water needed to be released from a pivot to adequately irrigate a farm paddock and reduce runoff.

‘‘The satellites will be to meet an identified need. They are not just going to be put up.

‘‘That is only a very small part of it and the last part of it.’’

Space-based measurements and satellite imagery would be used in industries like irrigation and agriculture, snow and ice, oceans and atmosphere, regional planning and hazard management and forestry, Scarlet said.

Alexandra was chosen over other areas in the south as it was a ‘‘natural fit’’ with the majority of industry identified for development, on the doorstep.

The centre would move from its Russell St premises into a Centennial Ave building early next month.

The official opening would take place in August or September with a Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment representative on hand to congratulate Bodeker Scientific on its establishment of the centre.

Scarlet thanked the ‘‘amazing group of very clever people’’ and hoped to continue with CSST in some form.

In time it was hoped additional CSST offices will be opened in Dunedin, Lincoln and New Plymouth.

Man dead, woman in hospital

A woman has been charged with murder following an incident that left one man dead and another woman in a critical condition. Police responded to reports of a stabbing at an Otara, south Auckland, address on Monday night. They found a dead man and a woman, who was unconscious. A third person, a 42-year-old woman, has been charged with murder and was to appear in the Manukau District Court yesterday. The unconscious woman, aged 41, is in a critical but stable condition at Middlemore Hospital. Police said it was possible further charges could be laid.

Daughter stole dad’s savings

An Auckland woman has been sentenced to 10 months home detention after admitting stealing $120,000 from her father who had dementia. Carolyn Diane Alleyne, 65, pleaded guilty in April to five representative charges of theft by a person in a special relationship. She was sentenced at the Manukau District Court yesterday. Alleyne fleeced money form her father Ron Greenhalgh, 95, a World War II veteran who died on Father’s Day 2016. She had paid the court $120,000 in reparation which would be given to her brother, Michael Greenhalgh. Judge Mina Wharepouri said Alleyne systematically stole money from her ill father to fuel her lifestyle. Her offending meant her father could not pay for ongoing costs at Metlife Care, the judge said.

Prisoner, girlfriend on run

Auckland police are hunting a prisoner who escaped from Corrections custody while attending a funeral last week. Lusitino Selesele, 41, was on compassionate temporary escort from Spring Hill Corrections Facility last Thursday when he escaped. Detective Senior Sergeant Roger Small, from Waitemata, said Lusitino was believed to be in the Waitakere area with his partner, Jacinta Sale. Sale has two warrants for her arrest for driving while disqualified. The pair are thought to be driving a white Holden Combo van, registration CYN814.